Crispy Air Fried Salmon Nuggets Perfect for Kids

ByAnn Woo Stephenson
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Photos by Marie-Catherine Dubé

These easy air fryer salmon bites are so yummy! Even family members who aren’t salmon lovers go crazy for them.

Wild salmon has so many health benefits and putting them in nugget form means kids love them. These yummy nuggets are a quick meal with just a few easy steps so making them is a total breeze.

❤️ Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Salmon Nuggets:

  • Tons of flavor from simple ingredients. 
  • ​The whole family enjoys these. 
  • Great baby led weaning recipe.
  • So easy to make.
  • Great source of healthy fat that can decrease inflammation and support brain health.
  • ​Fatty acids from fresh salmon.

🍲 Ingredients

Wild Salmon

Panko Breadcrumbs

Grated Parmesan

Avocado Oil Cooking Spray

Egg

Spices: black pepper and garlic powder.

Photos by Marie-Catherine Dubé

👩‍🍳 How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Nuggets

  • Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees.
  • Cut salmon filet into nugget sized shapes (I kept salmon skin on because I like it and it has so many benefits!). Season with garlic and pepper.
  • Mix breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk egg.
  • Dip salmon cubes into bowl with egg then bowl with breadcrumb parmesan mixture.
  • Spray air fry basket with avocado oil and set salmon chunks in basket, in a single layer and not too cramped. Spray another coat on top of salmon before closing.
  • Air fry for 6-8 minutes and enjoy!

🪄 Tips and Tricks

  • Use one hand for the egg mixture and one hand for the breadcrumb mixture, to avoid making a clumpy mess.
  • For best results, make sure your salmon pieces are not touching in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to cook these in batches. This will ensure they are all perfectly crispy around.
  • Cut salmon into age-appropriate sizes for baby led weaning.


🗒 Substitutions

  • Use chicken instead of salmon.


🗒 Best served with

  • Your favorite dipping sauce such as soy sauce, teriyaki sauce or ketchup.
  • For an easy weeknight dinner, make into a salmon rice bowl with a drizzle of creamy sauce, sesame seeds and green onions on top.
Photos by Marie-Catherine Dubé

👝 How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover salmon nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up the three days.

🤔 Common Questions

Are these gluten-free?

These are gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free breadcrumbs.

What type of salmon should I buy?

I always buy fresh wild caught salmon. Avoid farmed salmon. Salmon should be bright pink/orange in color and never gray.

Can I bake these?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Bake for 10 minutes or until salmon is fully cooked.

Air Fried Salmon Nuggets

These air fryer salmon nuggets are the best way to get your kids to eat fresh fish. With a crunchy parmesan breading, these crispy salmon bites make meal time healthy and fun at the same time. 
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer, nuggets, salmon
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb wild salmon
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • avocado oil spray
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  • Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees.
  • Cut salmon filet into nugget sized shapes (keep skin on or remove). Season with garlic and pepper.
  • Mix breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk egg.
  • Dip salmon into bowl with egg then bowl with breadcrumb parmesan mixture.
  • Spray air fryer basket with avocado oil and set salmon in basket, not too cramped. Spray another coat on top of salmon before closing.
  • Air fry for 8 minutes and enjoy!
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